Ando AQ7413 Dual-Wavelength LED Light Source Unit, 1310 nm and 1550 nm

Ando AQ7413 Dual-Wavelength LED Light Source Unit

The Ando AQ7413 is a broadband LED light source unit designed specifically for return-loss measurements with the Ando AQ7410 High-Resolution Reflectometer. It provides two optical wavelength bands centered near 1310 nm and 1550 nm, supporting detailed reflection analysis of optical modules, planar lightwave circuits, waveguides, fiber connections, and other passive optical components.

The AQ7413 uses low-coherence LED sources that enable the AQ7410 reflectometer to perform high-spatial-resolution measurements through a Michelson interferometer. The broad optical spectrum and short coherence length allow the measurement system to distinguish closely spaced reflection events within an optical assembly.

At 1310 nm, the AQ7413 supports a spatial resolution of 70 µm when used with the AQ7410 in return-loss measurement mode. At 1550 nm, the supported spatial resolution is 150 µm. This capability is useful for identifying internal reflections, interface locations, connector effects, and other localized optical events that may be difficult to separate with conventional fiber optic reflectometers.

Features and Benefits of the Ando AQ7413

The Ando AQ7413 provides the broadband optical illumination required for high-resolution return-loss measurements with a compatible AQ7410 measurement system.

• Dual-wavelength LED source: Provides broadband optical output centered near 1310 nm and 1550 nm for common single-mode fiber applications.
• Low-coherence operation: Supports high-spatial-resolution reflection measurements using the AQ7410 Michelson interferometer.
• High resolution at 1310 nm: Enables 70 µm spatial resolution with the AQ7410 in return-loss measurement mode.
• High resolution at 1550 nm: Enables 150 µm spatial resolution for compatible return-loss measurements.
• Broad optical spectrum: Provides a spectral bandwidth of up to 100 nm at 1310 nm and up to 140 nm at 1550 nm.
• Single-mode fiber output: Uses 10/125 µm single-mode fiber for compatible optical components and measurement systems.
• SC angled-contact interface: Provides a low-reflection optical connection with a documented optical return loss of at least 50 dB.
• Optical module characterization: Supports detailed analysis of reflections within compact optical devices and assemblies.
• Waveguide evaluation: Suitable for examining reflection locations in planar lightwave circuits and other optical waveguides.
• Compact source unit: Provides both supported wavelength bands in a dedicated enclosure measuring approximately 200 mm wide.

Dual-Wavelength Broadband LED Output

The AQ7413 contains LED sources for measurements near the two principal single-mode telecom wavelength regions. The 1550 nm output has a center wavelength of 1.55 µm with a tolerance of ±0.04 µm. The 1310 nm output has a center wavelength of 1.31 µm with a tolerance of ±0.05 µm.

The source provides a spectral bandwidth of 140 nm or less at 1550 nm and 100 nm or less at 1310 nm. These broadband characteristics give the AQ7413 the short coherence length required for high-resolution interferometric reflection measurements.

The documented optical output level is -18 dBm or greater at 1550 nm and -16 dBm or greater at 1310 nm. The AQ7413 is designed as a measurement source for the AQ7410 system rather than as a general-purpose high-power laser source.

High-Resolution Return-Loss Measurements

When paired with the Ando AQ7410, the AQ7413 supports return-loss measurements over a distance range from 0 mm to 2000 mm in air. The AQ7410 scans an optical delay line and identifies reflection points by detecting interference between light returned from the device under test and light traveling through the reference path.

The AQ7413 enables a spatial resolution of 70 µm at 1310 nm and 150 µm at 1550 nm. Fine spatial resolution helps separate reflection events positioned close together inside optical modules, connectors, waveguides, and integrated optical assemblies.

The documented AQ7410 return-loss measurement range with the AQ7413 is 10 dB to 75 dB at 1310 nm and 10 dB to 70 dB at 1550 nm. These measurement ranges describe the complete compatible reflectometer configuration rather than the AQ7413 source unit operating independently.

Optical Module and Waveguide Analysis

The AQ7413 and AQ7410 combination is suitable for measuring reflection distributions inside optical modules and waveguides. Its high spatial resolution can help technical users locate reflective interfaces, connector boundaries, optical coupling points, assembly defects, and other discontinuities.

Applications include the evaluation of planar lightwave circuits, passive optical modules, connectorized components, integrated optical devices, and short fiber assemblies. The measurement system can also be used to evaluate the return loss of compatible optical connectors.

The AQ7413 is intended for return-loss measurement mode. It should not be confused with the Ando AQ7412 ASE Light Source Unit, which supports return-loss, WDM, and loss-distribution measurements with tunable narrowband output.

Typical Applications

The Ando AQ7413 LED Light Source Unit is suitable for professional applications such as:

• High-resolution optical reflection measurements
• Return-loss distribution analysis
• Planar lightwave circuit evaluation
• Optical waveguide characterization
• Internal reflection analysis of optical modules
• Fiber optic connector return-loss measurements
• Passive optical component development
• Optical assembly troubleshooting
• Component qualification and verification
• Photonics research and development
• Production testing and quality control
• 1310 nm and 1550 nm single-mode fiber measurements

Product Overview

Brand	Ando Electric
Model	AQ7413
Product Category	Dual-Wavelength LED Light Source Unit
Source Type	Broadband low-coherence LED
Nominal Wavelengths	1310 nm and 1550 nm
Measurement Function	Return-loss measurement source
Compatible Measurement System	Ando AQ7410 High-Resolution Reflectometer
Optical Fiber	10/125 µm single-mode fiber
Optical Connector	SC angled physical contact
Primary Application	High-spatial-resolution reflection analysis of optical modules, connectors, and waveguides

 

AQ7413 Optical Specifications

Specification	1310 nm Output	1550 nm Output
Center Wavelength	1.31 µm ±0.05 µm	1.55 µm ±0.04 µm
Spectral Bandwidth	100 nm or less	140 nm or less
Optical Output Level	-16 dBm or greater	-18 dBm or greater
Supported AQ7410 Spatial Resolution	70 µm in return-loss measurement mode	150 µm in return-loss measurement mode
Supported AQ7410 Return-Loss Range	10 dB to 75 dB	10 dB to 70 dB

 

General Specifications

Specification	Details
Optical Fiber	10/125 µm single-mode fiber
Optical Connector	SC angled physical contact
Optical Connector Return Loss	50 dB or greater
Operating Temperature	25 °C ±10 °C
Storage Temperature	-10 °C to 50 °C
Humidity	80% relative humidity or less, non-condensing
Dimensions	Approximately 200 mm wide x 100 mm high x 450 mm deep
Weight	Approximately 2.5 kg

 

AQ7410 System Compatibility

The Ando AQ7413 is a dedicated source unit and is intended to operate as part of an AQ7410 High-Resolution Reflectometer system. The AQ7410 includes separate controller and interferometer sections that perform optical routing, reference-path adjustment, interferogram detection, data processing, and trace display.

The light from the AQ7413 is divided between the device-under-test path and the reference path of the Michelson interferometer. Reflected light from the device under test is combined with the reference signal. The resulting interference signal allows the AQ7410 to determine the location and magnitude of optical reflection events.

The AQ7413 does not provide standalone reflection or return-loss readings. A compatible AQ7410 controller, interferometer, connection cables, optical cords, and supporting system components are required for complete operation.

Operating and Connection Considerations

The AQ7413 uses 10/125 µm single-mode fiber and an SC angled-contact optical interface. The connected patch cord must use a compatible connector type and ferrule polish. Straight-contact and angled-contact connectors should not be mated directly because the different end-face geometries can cause excessive loss, reflection, or physical damage.

All optical connectors should be inspected and cleaned before connection. Dust, residue, scratches, and damaged ferrules can change return-loss measurements and create reflection events that do not originate within the intended device under test.

Connected fibers should be routed with suitable bend-radius control and strain relief. The source unit should be operated within its documented temperature and humidity ranges and protected from condensation during storage or transport.

Comprehensive Functional and Performance Testing

The Ando AQ7413 receives comprehensive functional and performance testing before shipment. Testing may include source-unit power-up, 1310 nm and 1550 nm output verification, optical output-level measurement, wavelength-band confirmation, connector inspection, and operation with a compatible AQ7410 High-Resolution Reflectometer.

When suitable measurement equipment is available, testing may also include center-wavelength characterization, spectral-bandwidth evaluation, output stability, optical connector return loss, and return-loss measurement performance through the compatible AQ7410 system.

Testing helps identify inactive LED sources, low optical output, contaminated or damaged connectors, intermittent operation, wavelength-selection problems, and other conditions that could affect reflection measurements.

The exact testing scope, wavelengths evaluated, supplied optical data, compatible AQ7410 system, cables, accessories, and service documentation should be confirmed before purchase when these items are required for laboratory, production, regulatory, or quality-management applications.

Buyer Considerations

The Ando AQ7413 is a specialized dual-wavelength LED source for return-loss measurements. Buyers should confirm compatibility with the intended AQ7410 controller and interferometer before purchase.

The AQ7413 should not be confused with the Ando AQ7412 ASE Light Source Unit. The AQ7412 provides tunable narrowband output and supports WDM and loss-distribution measurements, while the AQ7413 provides broadband LED output at 1310 nm and 1550 nm for high-resolution return-loss measurements.

Buyers should inspect the source enclosure, optical connector, wavelength selection, output operation, system connection, and included accessories. Only components specifically identified in the product listing should be considered included.

Why Buy from AssetRelay?

AssetRelay supplies professional equipment and product solutions for fiber optic, telecom, laboratory, production, inspection, cleaning, RF/microwave, electronic test, and photonics applications. The Ando AQ7413 supports engineers, laboratories, production facilities, procurement teams, and service organizations that require broadband 1310 nm and 1550 nm illumination for high-resolution optical reflection measurements.

Buyers should review the available product photographs, physical condition, SC angled-contact optical interface, source operation, AQ7410 compatibility, included accessories, and testing information before purchase.

Only accessories and system components specifically identified in the product listing should be considered included. The AQ7410 controller, interferometer, connection cables, single-mode optical cords, calibration equipment, and related measurement accessories may be required separately.

Module must be ordered with one mainframe from AQ7410 Series